There is a two-step process involved in family class applications: , y2 O% u( P! ^; `! q, u / R6 g" y) E' z7 J1. the assessment of the sponsorship application in Canada ; S/ M5 D, a/ ^8 V; E' L$ A 0 z& h) o' z: x; ^& J( M
2. the assessment of the permanent residence application outside Canada by the visa office. / ~+ B! ^! s D1 K
! s* T$ v1 ?. ^There are separate processing times for each of these two steps.